Marian M. Johnson

October 21, 2013

Marian M. Johnson, 97, Duncansville, formerly of Altoona, died early Saturday morning at UPMC Altoona. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Charles H. and Mary (Brauninger) Schmelzlen. She married Charles W. Johnson on May 8, 1940, in Altoona. He died March 15, 1996.

Surviving are two sons: Richard C. and wife, Jeannie, of Altoona and David F. and wife, Pamela, of Duncansville; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Jones; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two siblings: Charles H. Schmelzlen Jr. and Ruth Gerstenberg.

Marian was a 1934 graduate of Altoona High School. She retired as a salesperson from the former William F. Gable department store in 1980 with 29 years of service.

Marian was a third-generation member and the oldest member of St. James Lutheran Church, where she was a member of the Quilters, Jolly St. Jamers and Sunday school. She was a volunteer for the Altoona Food Bank. She also knitted baby hats for UPMC Altoona.

Marian enjoyed church activities, quilting, knitting and sewing.

Friends will be received from 2 until the 4 p.m. funeral service Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at Gilden Barton Funeral Home, 1401 Ninth Ave., Altoona, the Rev. Edward C. Harshbarger officiating. Interment will be at Alto-Reste Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.